Jewett Observatory on the Washington State University campus in Pullman is known for housing the state’s largest refracting telescope, built around a twelve-inch lens made by Alvan Clark and Sons between 1887 and 1889. Originally intended for an amateur astronomer who died before the telescope was assembled, the lens remained in storage until the university bought it at auction in the 1950s. The current dome was dedicated in 1953 and named for James Richard Jewett. The observatory supports undergraduate teaching and training, includes twelve portable instructional telescopes, and also opens regularly for public star party nights.